Influence of Cultivation Practices on Yield and Spoilage of Kponan Yam (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) During Storage

The Kponan yam (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) is a culturally and economically important crop in Côte d’Ivoire but faces significant post-harvest losses, reducing farmers’ and traders’ incomes. This study aimed to identify strategies to minimize these losses during storage. To this end, Kponan yams from Bondoukou, Bouna, and Kouassi-Kouassikro, key production areas, were grown in experimental plots and monitored over three months in both field and warehouse storage. The results showed that yams harvested in Kouassi-Kouassikro (2.53 ± 0.06 kg) and Bondoukou (2.37 ± 0.09 kg) were heavier than those from Bouna (2.01 ± 0.11 kg). Storage conditions influenced spoilage: yams stored in pits had lower alteration rates (40.00% to 48.57%) compared to those stored under straw huts or trees (100%). In warehouses, alteration rates ranged from 72.29% (Bondoukou) to 100% (Kouassi-Kouassikro), with rot rates varying from 47.05% to 70.00%, respectively. Weight losses varied from 15.15% to 36.67% in warehouses versus 8.47% to 42.86% in field storage. These results underline the importance of storage methods, with pit storage significantly reducing deterioration.